The
fundraiser, organized by the Student Activity Council (SAC), took place
November 26, 2015. It encouraged students to enjoy physical activity,
while raising money for a good cause and was led by NGDHS students
Callie Adamson and Kelsey Black. The two were inspired to host the event
after attending a leadership conference in Toronto.

For just $25,
students in Grades 9-12 could play a game of Twister, work out in the
weight room, enjoy sports such as basketball and volleyball, Zumba and
even yoga. The school also hosted a dance for the Grades 7 and 8
students earlier that day so they would feel included in the fundraising
effort.

SAC members viewed the event as a way to emphasize for
students the importance of physical activity, and all the opportunities
to enjoy it both at school and in the community, said Cathy Parent, an
SAC staff advisor.

“Going in, we thought we’d get maybe 100
students and make $2,000,” said Parent. “That night, we knew for sure
that we had $3,000 in our pockets and we were blown away.

“Then
when the money from online donations and the dance came in … well, it
was really exciting for the whole team to see that support.”

As
part of the event, a 12 year-old boy who underwent treatment at CHEO for
a brain tumour spoke to the students about the quality of care he
received.

On the night of the marathon, the school presented a
cheque for the proceeds to representatives of CHEO, who asked if they
could use the concept to fundraise with other school communities.